My Forum

RunnyRunRun - No definitely not a chore, I always see it as my time. I get very excited and psyched up before I go out for my runs. But my legs always continually ache while doing so, and I find it a struggle with my mind to be content just running and doing nothing else. Only a couple of times have I enjoyed myself so much that I just kept going. I think maybe my diet may be to blame - it isn't great so my body is probably complaining!

Now reading 'Can't swim, can't ride, can't run' - ok it's triathlon but still enjoying it Any other books?

So, I have just read a couple of fantastic books over Christmas that have really motivated me to get back out there running, and not only running but enjoying it. 'Why we run' and 'Born to run' are two fantastic books that you should read if you haven't, and they are essentially two (true) stories about ultra running on trails that sing the joys of running for miles on end and tell us how much fun it is.

I should point out here that I am a relatively new runner. In 2010 I ran the Bupa 10000 (58 mins), and in 2011 I ran the Kilomathon (2hrs 27), Brighton Marathon (5hrs) and Robin Hood Half Marathon (2hrs 15). I struggle for motivation: I train hard when I have a specific goal in mind such as Brighton, but after the event it always tails off and I struggle again.

For me what I think it boils down to is I don't love running itself, but the byproduct. I suffered from depression and weight gain for a lot of years and running is helping me beat both of those. And another byproduct is the success and feeling of achievement: contrary to what those books tell me, I don't feel like I was born to run 26 miles so I feel like I have overcome something by doing so.

And running itself I find hard work. Very rarely do I achieve that state of flow where everything feels amazing, and so it's rare that I actually enjoy my training runs. Therefore I feel somewhat disconnected from the books I read which is why I wonder if the motivation I currently have from them is short lived. I am sure they felt amazing running on the trails in Mexico and in Greece, but unfortunately I live in a rural centre with the nearby countryside being flat and uninspiring: and on the occassions I make it out to the countryside, my lack of stamina means it is time for me to turn back. Certainly, unlike the authors, I am not going to run 30 miles on a whim just to enjoy the countryside.

So I guess these are some random thoughts on why these books sound so good and why I struggle to put them into practice.

Any thoughts on how you enjoy the running (and not just the byproduct)?

This will be my second marathon I've done the London 10000, Derby Kilomathon, Brighton Marathon and Robin Hood Half Marathon, so can't wait for this will be something completely different. I need some hills to train on though!

Very well organised, a nice route (really enjoyed around the University), and the hills weren't as bad as I expected. Thought there'd be more supporters but I guess it was a windy September day! Really well organised, think I will be back next year.